How Do 3D Printing Scanners Work?
A wide range of digital engineering strategies enable the future of manufacturing, product development, quality control and production. However, all production processes all start with 3D scanning. But what is 3D scanning? How does it work? As a specialist 3D printing service provider, we will guide you through everything you need to know.
How Do 3D Printing Scanners Work?
3D printing scanners work by a process of capturing data from a physical object’s surface. In doing so, the scanner can describe it’s shape accurately in a 3D format. However, 3D scan data can be used for more than just inspection and analysis.
Measurements enable faster and more accessible digital analysis and inspection in a visual way that allows for in depth reporting.
Scanners can also replicate parts in reverse engineering This assures fit, form and function of parts in remote locations. It also helps to validate CAD models whilst opening the door for more digital strategies.
What Types of 3D Printing Scanners are There?
There are a wide variety of 3D scanners available for numerous applications. In order to create a digital model for physical parts requires an accurate collection of data to form geometric identity.
For those who 3D print as a hobby, scanners can be made using your mobile phone. They can also be made with Microsoft Kinect.
For industrial use, a 3D scanner must be able to achieve manufacturing grade accuracy. For this purpose, Metrology-grade 3D scanning equipment is the best choice.
Laser 3D scanners provide a quick way to collect data points from physical objects. Furthermore, structured light scanners have earned a great reputation due to their high levels of accuracy.
3D Scanners with Structured Light
A 3D scanner can work with structured light using principles of triangulation. Sensors can project a shifting fringe pattern across the surface of a part. From here, two cameras capture the surface geometry based on pattern distortion to calculate 3D coordinate measurements.
The scanner will collect and process countless X-Y-Z data points into a point cloud. This allows for a detailed digital twin of the object to be created.
Summary
We hope this article helped to shed some light on what 3D printing scanners are and how they work. As we have demonstrated 3D printing scanners come in a range of varieties, fit for different needs. From 3D scanners with structured light that work through principles of triangulation to DIY phone scanners, there are a range of options out there to suit your needs.
Contact Us - 3D Printing Service
As a professional 3D printing service, we are passionate about turning ideas into a reality. So if you need to solve a problem or bring a new idea to life, get in touch with our team today and we’ll identify how 3D printing can help. We look forward to hearing from you!
